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pardon my egotism, and I will try to serve up something more palatable. I suppose you knew that Leonora had a little nephew? wonder how it seems to her, to be called aunt. You say you should be happy to hear from me oftener than you did the past year, and ask me what I say. Well, I hardly know how to answer, but I will write whenever the spirit moves - will that do? It would give me much pleasure to receive a letter from Mary. Will she never write me, until I have first written to her? Do you hear from your brother Chandler often? does he still think he shall return in the Spring? Was not your mother very much disappointed in not meeting him? it must have been very sad for her. And your brother Chandler, how does he seem now? My dear friend and pastor Mr. Gray lies at the point of death- he is not expected to live but a short time -he has been sick nearly four months. The disease is a cancerous tumor in the bowels. They say it has been fifteen years coming. Our friends and relatives seem to be fast leaving us, reminding us that this is not our abiding place, and urging upon us, the necessity of being prepared to meet them again in their eternal home, where sickness, pain and death are unknown. Is Mary teaching this winter and do you both board at home? Well, cousin Abby I am getting tired, and out of news, and therefore beg to be excused from writing more thus. All our friends this way are in their usual health. Please give my love to your mother, and the rest of the family, not forgetting to reserve a share for yourself.

                                                                                                                                                  Your affectionate cousin

THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY Agnes.